Johnson may increase value at third base

By Scott Merkin / MLB.com

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Dan Johnson has played 62 Minor League games at third base and part of the 2009 season in Japan at the same position. He has yet to get to third during this current Spring Training with the White Sox, but knows that sort of versatility could increase his chances to be taken as the final position player.

"You know whatever is asked of me is what I'm going to do," Johnson said. "If it's come in late and get late at-bats, that's what it is. I have to go out and make the best of the opportunity as much as possible, come in and stay positive and let my ability show. That's all I can do."

Ventura plans to get Johnson some looks at third base, having focused early on getting Brent Lillibridge, Ozzie Martinez and Eduardo Escobar at-bats at that position. Johnson has worked at third and in the outfield during morning drills.

"I'm preparing myself, yes," Johnson said. "If I'm called upon to go to third, I can play third. If I'm called upon to go to first, I can play first. If I'm called upon to go to the outfield, I can go to the outfield.

"Nothing is handed to you in this game and I'm in a new organization and I have to go and prove myself. They don't know me besides the fact they played against me. I have to show this organization what I have and go out there and hopefully show them that I have enough to be able to help them."

Peavy hosts Wounded Warriors at camp

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The most important moments coming from Jake Peavy's stretch of work Monday had nothing to do with the right-hander taking the mound.

Approximately two hours before Peavy allowed six runs on eight hits over 2 1/3 innings in a 9-4 loss to the A's at Camelback Ranch, he met with a group of approximately 13 soldiers from the Marines and Navy who are members of Wounded Warriors. Peavy gave them a guided tour of the complex, stopped to meet with manager Robin Ventura, and took numerous pictures with them in the clubhouse.

Gordon Beckham, Gavin Floyd and Paul Konerko, as well as general manager Ken Williams, were just a few who posed for clubhouse pictures, signed autographs and talked with these valiant heroes. They all attended Monday's contest as part of "Strikeouts For Troops" and received a standing ovation when announced before the first pitch.

A combination baseball/music private event was to be held Monday night at an establishment in Scottsdale, with Peavy and Barry Zito as the hosts at the forefront, but many of their baseball friends planned to join the festivities. Talking to some of these men helped put Peavy's Cactus League effort into perspective.

"My bad day was throwing two innings and giving up some hits," Peavy said. "Having them out here puts a lot of things in perspective, when you see a 21-year old Nick, a triple amputee, smiling and having enthusiasm about life. How he speaks about the military and how honored he was to serve his country, puts it in perspective.

"Their lives are changed for better or worse for what they did for you and me. Let's take a little of our day to say thanks. It's the least we can do."

Santiago making strong case for bullpen spot

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- With another scoreless inning and two strikeouts in Monday's 9-4 loss to the A's, Hector Santiago hasn't give up a run in five Cactus League innings and has struck out five.

The southpaw with the screwball also is moving closer to officially locking down one of the three remaining White Sox bullpen openings.

"I don't want to make that [declaration], but it looks pretty good for him," said manager Robin Ventura of Santiago. "Just the way he's performing and the way he carries himself, the way he comes in here every day, working hard and doing the things he needs to do. I like the way he looks.

"Those are the kind of guys we want when we leave here. He looked good. Nate Jones, the same thing."

Jones, the 26-year-old fifth-round pick in the 2007 First-Year Player Draft, struck out one during a scoreless ninth. He has had two strong outings, while also yielding two solo homers to the Cubs on Friday.

Interest in Floyd reportedly remains high

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Plenty of scouts figure to be on hand Tuesday in Peoria, Ariz., to watch Gavin Floyd pitch against the Padres. One of those scouts should be from the Blue Jays, who have watched Floyd's first two Spring Training appearances, and have continued interest in the right-hander according to FoxSports.com.

Floyd's four straight seasons of at least 30 starts and at least 187 innings, not to mention just one year left on his four-year deal at $7 million, makes him an attractive addition. The White Sox have rotation options in Hector Santiago, Dylan Axelrod and Zach Stewart, but the team will rely on its starting pitching to find any sort of success this season.

Moving Floyd before the 2012 campaign even begins would shift the modified rebuilding process closer to straight rebuilding.

Third to first

 Paul Konerko's left knee was sore from Saturday's foul ball direct hit, but he was fine to play first base in Monday's 9-4 loss to the A's and got two at-bats.

 Outfield prospect Brandon Short underwent successful surgery to repair a dislocated left shoulder and torn left labrum, sustained when crashing into the center-field wall on March 8 in Surprise, Ariz. He is expected to miss the entire 2012 campaign.

Scott Merkin is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Merk's Works, and follow him on Twitter @scottmerkin. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.